Capture Vocals Like a Pro with this Workhorse Neumann Mic!

Go ahead, splurge a little and treat yourself to the Anniversary edition of the versatile Neumann TLM 103 microphone. What sets the Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary set apart from the standard TLM 103 offering is its accessories: it comes with a dedicated shock mount and lightweight aluminum case, instead of a stand mount and wooden box.

Ideal for capturing vocals (especially male vocals), voiceovers, acoustic guitars, and more, the affordable TLM 103 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone featuring a transformerless circuit, low noise, high sound pressure level (SPL) handling, and a capsule based on the company's classic, significantly more expensive U87 mic capsule. A no-brainer choice for anyone wanting that Neumann sound without a high price tag, this large-diaphragm condenser mic will do the job for a range of applications, from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studio use.

A Versatile Performance Mic

The TLM 103 boasts a large-diaphragm capsule with a fixed cardioid pattern that draws in sound at the front of the microphone and rejects sound from the rear. When capturing vocals, recording instruments like the acoustic guitar, doing interviews, and so forth, a cardioid mic is often the way to go. With this Neumann microphone, off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased.

Looks and Sounds Like a Neumann

Its K 103 large-diaphragm capsule, based on the K 87 from the company's U 67 and U 87 microphones, has a flat frequency response up to about 4 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost. So that you know it's a Neumann, the TLM 103 is addressed from the front and is marked with the red Neumann logo on the body of the microphone.

Look Ma, No Noise!

This mic features a very low self-noise level (7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR), making it possible for even the smallest signals to be reproduced basically noise-free. Able to handle SPL up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 boasts a dynamic range of 131 dB.

The microphone keeps plosives, pops, and other unwanted noises in check, thanks to its large wire mesh headgrille, which protects the capsule. To further prevent noise from interfering with the mic's performance, the TLM 103's entire internal construction is elastically mounted. What's more, the capsule is set on an elastic mount.

Since its frequency range actually reaches below 20 Hz, the lowest of low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. It's because of this low frequency extension that the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure-borne interference and wind noise.

TLM Technology for Optimal Operation

The "TLM" in the mic's name is short for "transformerless microphone." Transformerless means that the microphone's usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. Neumann notes that as with traditional transformers, TLM technology ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

The TLM 103 offers highly detailed, accurate sound and superior impulse response, allowing it to reproduce your music and vocals without any noticeable coloration. Professional design and quality details make this Neumann mic an incredible value for the price.

Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Microphone

The TLM 103 is the ideal large-diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget. It's the mic for everyone who, despite budget limitations, does not want to do without the uncompromising Neumann sound.

This special Anniversary Set includes the Neumann EA1 shock mount and a deluxe aluminum case.

Must-Have Mic for Many Applications

Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

The TLM 103 is equipped with a large diaphragm capsule with cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern used in most recording situations the attenuation of unwanted rear sound has been optimized. Off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased. This also leads to a high feedback suppression when the microphone is used in live situations or where loudspeaker playback is a factor.

K 103 Capsule Based on the K 87 Capsule

The TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67 / U 87 microphones. The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 4 kHz, and above that, a wide 4 dB presence boost. The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.

Extremely Low Noise

With just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131 dB, according to DIN/IEC 651. The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone." With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

Sensitive to Low Bass Signals

The entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure borne noise that could interfere with the TLM 103's operation. Furthermore the capsule is set on an elastic mount. The frequency range reaches below 20 Hz; thus, even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. Due to this low frequency extension, the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure borne interference and wind noise. For such cases, the WS 87 windscreen is available as an accessory. For close vocal use, the PS 10 or PS 20 pop screens are recommended.

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Great Mic, especially for the cash..."

Sound:
Great sound with a LA-610 Preamp in my 002 set up...Sounds good on acoustic guitar as well as lead vocals...
Overall:
May go up to the next level of MICS...U87 eventually when finances dictate. For the money, this is a great buy!

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"You will love the TLM 103"

Overall:
Purchased my first Neumann, the TLM 103, this year. Expected high quality sound for my voice over work, and the microphone does not disappoint! Paired with a Focusrite preamp, I get clean, true and only slightly flavored sound that I can manipulate in post any way I want. I have used it on my own voice and others, and I get the same great results every time. I have achieved good results for both male and female voices. I have also recorded two different acoustic guitars with the same great results! I cannot recommend it highly enough, and though it's not the top of the line Neumann, the serious home studio professional should not have this mic in his or her arsenal. And, with zZounds' amazing purchase payment option I am happy as can be! I highly recommend the TLM 103 and just as highly recommend zZounds.com.

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